“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I took a day “off” today and reconnected with a friend I had met just once before, and her children, at the zoo. This friend reached out after I wrote my first post last Thursday afternoon, and we met again today and realized how much we had in common. We shared some hugs and lots of laughs and watched our children become fast friends.

We enjoyed the beautiful weather- took deep breaths and the long walk around the zoo.

My kids laughed with her kids. Huge belly laughs.

We laughed with each other.

Our boys were so silly together.

They jumped and climbed and ran. They threw themselves into things and laughed even harder.

We took a train ride.

A few of our kids rode horses.

You guys, it was so fun.

It was so peaceful.

It was so joy-filled.

The last few days have been hard. Building bridges is not easy work. It’s exhausting and challenging and mentally and emotionally draining. That’s probably the reason some people don’t even bother. That’s probably the reason some people stay silent on the issues that are important to them- because the work is just too messy, too gritty, too hard.

I didn’t respond to messages today, (except to one saying I could not respond). I didn’t read comments, didn’t try to find answers.

I rested.

I’m thankful that God offers rest from the hard work. I’m thankful that He offers satisfaction in the midst of toil.

Maybe you need some rest today, too? Maybe a long walk outside or a big chocolate bar hiding in your closet so you don’t have to share? Maybe you need to snuggle into bed and watch your favorite movie?

Whatever gives you rest, maybe you need to find it today.

There is satisfaction in the midst of toil. “This is the gift of God.”

About Latrice

My deepest desire is to know God- right here, right now, in my every day life. There is beauty and joy, tension and even heartache in desiring God while being a part of this world. I write here about that great desire, and all of that beauty and tension, pain and JOY.